A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a small, pimple-like bump on the inside or outside of the eyelid. It is caused by an eyelash follicle or eyelid oil gland becoming clogged with excess oil, debris or bacteria.

Symptoms of a stye include watery eyes, tenderness, redness, pain, and/or itching, followed by the appearance of a bump. Most styes go away within a few days and do not require any type of treatment. You can apply a warm washcloth to the eyelid up to four times a day in 10-minute intervals to help ease the pain and encourage the healing process. It is also important that you do not attempt to squeeze or pop a stye.

If a stye doesn’t heal within a week to 10 days, or you are prone to reoccurring styes, make an appointment with the eye doctor. He or she can evaluate the condition and possibly prescribe medicated eye drops or an antibiotic ointment.